A CLOTHING bank which hands out packages to people during times of hardship has been given funding to help it provide more toiletries.

The County Durham Socialist Clothing Bank, based in Brandon, near Durham, has been able to buy more than 1,000 tubes of toothpaste, hundreds of bottles of shampoo and other essential toiletries to give out as part of its packages.

The clothing bank, which was set up in 2014, gives help to vulnerable and unemployed people across the area as well as those in low-paid jobs and people having problems with welfare benefits changes.

The funding of £500 was given by County Durham Housing Group and will also allow the group to purchase items such as nappies and sanitary products, which help families to function normally during times of hardship.

Dawn Wilson from County Durham Socialist Clothing Bank, said: “If it wasn’t for the donations of money and clothing, and the great work from our regular volunteers, we couldn’t do what we do, and have been doing, since October 2014. I’m just pleased we can help as many people as we do.”

The clothing bank operates a fortnightly drop in service on Tuesdays staffed by the 18 volunteers involved in the project.

Angela Stobbart, Community Investment Team Leader at County Durham Housing Group, said: “The volunteers at the clothing bank do an amazing job, helping some of the most vulnerable people in the county.

“We’re really pleased to be able to support their work, and of course ensure that this lifeline for many families can continue to operate so successfully.”